So, you're thinking edge rusher? I mean, it's not like you can ever have enough of them...

Still, we don't even have a decent non-pass rushing DT on this roster right now. Maybe McGee and Latham will prove to be something more than rotational guys at some point but I wouldn't go into this draft counting on that. I think it's a huge mistake to take an injury prone guy that's proven to play better at a lower weight in MEJ and try to force him into that role. The last DT we've drafted before the 4th round was Leon Bender in 1998. The only issue I see is that, without the benefit of the combine and draft hype, we're going to be drafting to low for the good prospects and too high for the rest. That's why I'm down to make a move if one's within striking distance of our top pick.

This draft is supposed to one of the deepest in years for edge rushers, and if there's a run on those, a very good LB should drop to us. A penetrating tackle would be great and I think the team thought Ward would be that guy, but it didn't happen at least this year. But another stud edge rusher wouldn't be the worst thing.

Draft does seem to be thickening up. Still seems to be weak on the OL and at QB but quite a few other spots look nice. I have a feeling Tennessee is loving this draft. Cleavland is just shaking it's head wishing thier was a QB.

This draft is supposed to one of the deepest in years for edge rushers, and if there's a run on those, a very good LB should drop to us. A penetrating tackle would be great and I think the team thought Ward would be that guy, but it didn't happen at least this year. But another stud edge rusher wouldn't be the worst thing.

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Yeah, nothing wrong with taking the value...

I don't necessarily think it has to be a penetrating DT though. We could use one that simply holds his ground and frees up the LBs. If our DL sucks, everyone else has to be that much better. I'm not sure there's going to be a LB available that checks all the boxes necessary to be effective behind our current group of creampuffs.

I don't necessarily think it has to be a penetrating DT though. We could use one that simply holds his ground and frees up the LBs. If our DL sucks, everyone else has to be that much better. I'm not sure there's going to be a LB available that checks all the boxes necessary to be effective behind our current group of creampuffs.

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I agree. I've said this before, but in looking at the current DT group, it seems we're built for a 3-4, yet we run a Seattle Cover 3, with 4-3 alignments. Jelly/Williams- bring nothing by way of pass rush, which allows every offense to slide help to Mack. Maybe Edwards would've made a big difference, but all year the lack of interior rush killed this team.

I was thinking Justis' current #ForcePlayer stuff would be worth adding to the draft thread. Wasn't really thinking beyond that.

But, yeah. If Mario is this easy to shelf this often, we actually do need a starting caliber DE imo. We have a lot bodies at the edge positions, but nothing to get excited about after Mack.

Irvin is good, but not exactly a good reason to avoid a bigger, better player. Irvin would still be a starter in this instance, so...yeah.

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I've got to think Williams or McGee is gone- I think Williams can leave with no cap hit, but I'll leave it to the resident cap guy to confirm. McGee can walk for more money. That leaves Latham and Ellis as true DTs, Ward as so far useless project, and ???? We can't possibly go another year with Autry getting so many snaps. Even if McGee comes back, there's room for one more good player in that rotation. Hell, there's room for a DT and DE.

I've got to think Williams or McGee is gone- I think Williams can leave with no cap hit, but I'll leave it to the resident cap guy to confirm. McGee can walk for more money. That leaves Latham and Ellis as true DTs, Ward as so far useless project, and ???? We can't possibly go another year with Autry getting so many snaps. Even if McGee comes back, there's room for one more good player in that rotation. Hell, there's room for a DT and DE.

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No dead money for Williams. With the exception of Austin Howard, Reggie's contracts are a work of art. We can walk away from just about every FA he's signed either this year or next (Sean Smith/Irvin/Osemele) with zero liability. We're in good shape.

Edit: The Smith contract makes me think there's a good chance Reggie goes CB early. There is no way we're paying Sean Smith $8.5m in 2018.

I've got to think Williams or McGee is gone- I think Williams can leave with no cap hit, but I'll leave it to the resident cap guy to confirm. McGee can walk for more money. That leaves Latham and Ellis as true DTs, Ward as so far useless project, and ???? We can't possibly go another year with Autry getting so many snaps. Even if McGee comes back, there's room for one more good player in that rotation. Hell, there's room for a DT and DE.

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If our first 2 picks were both DTs, both could be described as need picks. No question.

Not exactly sure what the tweet is trying to tell me but isn't Charlton more of a DE/LB type?

They got one of these charts for strictly guys that will play on the interior?

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Yeah he played mostly LDE. They started having him rush as a stand up LB last 4-6 games. He was killing it from there. He was hurt first part of the year, ankle, started slow. Finished with like 12-13 sacks. Good against the run. He is listed at 6-6 285. Idk if he's that heavy. Looks more 265. Really good first step and can turn the corner like a way smaller dude. Probably the most talented DE I've seen at Michigan. Seen Graham, Woodley, and the woman beater in Seattle pretty much every game they all played. Charleton is really good. Late bloomer tho.

Biggest draft need: A thumping but athletic middle/inside linebacker. After Ben Heeney struggled early and then went on injured reserve and rookie Cory James was miscast, Perry Riley Jr. was signed off the street and settled things down. Still, the Raiders need someone who can solidify the middle of their defense for the long haul. Can they find one in the 20s in the first round of the draft?

Perry Riley graded out well. He should be resigned as the starter first order of business. He can be upgraded sure, but he was playing well here off the damned street. We need to cut M.Smith or at least put him on the bench. Irvin is a pass rush guy on 3rd down.

We need OLB just as bad as ILB. I could see us investing heavily in this position as well as DT. The CB, S, DE situation is stop gapped enough for next year IMO Especially if we get Mack, Aldon, MEJ, Irvin all on the field at some point together. We find this years Sheldon Rankins and the pass defense and secondary will look much better.

Our LBs cant cover shit right now. DT's won't help that as much. Collapse the pocket for the outside rushers more, get some actual starting caliber LB's and this D will be 10x better.